Crystal Serenity Review

Crystal Serenity is the newer member of Crystal Cruises two-ship fleet. Photo courtesy of Crystal Cruises

Crystal Serenity Overview

The newer of Crystal Cruises’ two ships, the 1,080-passenger Crystal Serenity is the perfect size in so many ways. Launched in 2003 and upgraded repeatedly over the years, her public rooms and outdoor deck space are among the most expansive out there.

One of the most appreciated features aboard Crystal Serenity is her open Promenade Deck; uncluttered thanks to a design that positions the lifeboats inboard one deck lower. Photo courtesy of Crystal Cruises

With its stylish but muted color schemes, this ship has a quiet, understated elegance. Some of the most appealing spaces include the cozy, wood-paneled Avenue Saloon with its round bar. It’s hardly a leap to imagine Frank Sinatra and the Rat Pack sauntering into the glamorous casino, with its classy mix of gold, purple, and magenta, and the two nightclubby show lounges.

Dining On Crystal Serenity

Choose to dine at one of the alternative, open-seating specialty restaurants for refined Italian cuisine inspired by Piero Selvaggio of Valentino in Los Angeles or high-end Asian fare under the guidance of famed chef Nobu Matsuhisa.

There’s also a formal main dining room and several other casual venues to choose from, including Tastes on the Lido Deck, casual, but closed on formal evenings. Tastes also offers Chinese Comfort Food, such as traditional, Chinese steamed dumplings, noodles, soups, fried rice and vegetables.

Popular by day, The Bistro also serves as an evening café for small bites, tapas, desserts, and late-night snacks, all accompanied by fine wines, champagne and other complimentary beverages.

During dining hours, guests can also order from the full main dining room menu for in-stateroom delivery.

Activities On Crystal Serenity

Sometimes the best activities require no activity at all: the Connoisseur Lounge aboard Crystal Serenity. Photo courtesy of Crystal Cruises

For recreation, the pool deck was recently enhanced, now boasting circular sun beds, clusters of sofas and new padded lounge chairs. Guests can exercise on two full-size paddle-tennis courts or play table tennis or hit some golf balls. There’s a roomy gym, a beauty salon and an impressive spa with sea views off the ship’s stern and a full menu of the latest treatments.

Two new evening productions highlight the hits of legendary musical performers: “Rocket Man”—aka Elton John—and “Divas” from Adele to Cher.

Computer University@Sea offers multiple levels of iPad and Facebook classes to its wide spectrum of free computer-related education. An alliance with the renowned USC School of Cinematic Arts brings sophisticated movie-making education aboard, enabling guests to learn how to produce iMovie videos on their iPads.

Staterooms & Suites On Crystal Serenity

One of the luxurious Category AB balcony staterooms aboard Crystal Serenity. Photo courtesy of Crystal Cruises

When it comes to cabins, at 226 square feet, not including the balcony, standard staterooms and their bathrooms, closets and balconies are a bit bigger than those on Crystal Symphony. Recently refurbished, furniture, wall coverings, fabrics and carpeting are brand new and incorporate silk, velvet, leather, crisp linen and stone textures. There are 100 suites in three different categories, including eight new Penthouses added in 2008, each with a separate living room, a dining area, a CD player, three TVs (one in the bathroom), a pantry, and even a small gym. In all categories, cabins have a seating area, mini fridge, a computer data port, and Egyptian cotton sheets and feather bed toppers.

Crystal Cruises Reviews

To read a review of a particular ship, click the link under "Read the Review." If applicable, our Live Voyage Reports offer a day-by-day overview of an actual cruise onboard. In some cases, there may be more than one report, to be sure to see if your favorite destination is represented.
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Crystal Serenity Review
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